Valentine’s Day is almost here, whether you’re a a hopeless romantic or cold-hearted there’s always something to do! Who needs a new thing when you can create some special memories and take your loved one (or yourself to an epic experience). Not sure where to go? What if we told you that we have the perfect Valentine’s Day plans and gift ideas guaranteed to please all the personalities?
Gifting experiences is the easiest and most foolproof way to reconnect with your partner. friends and family, and boy do we have some recommendations! Gift your loved ones something they’ll remember for years to come, from incredible concerts and immersive exhibitions, to a special treat for a movie buff and more. You’re sure to find the perfect gifts with our ultimate experiential gift guide below:
1. Have a romantic walk amongst the stars at the spectacular Astra Lumina
Head to Queens Botanical Garden for an enchanting night walk under the stars to learn more about the secrets of the sky on this celestial. Go on a magical walk in a beautiful botanical garden that guides visitors on a journey to discover the wonder of visiting stars! Keep your bae warm and cozy up outdoors. (There’s also boozy and non-alcoholic hot chocolate available for purchase!)
Don’t miss your chance to be one with the sky at Astra Lumina!
2. Galentine’s Day is everything at Pink Pier
Enjoy views of the Hudson unlike you’ve experiences in this pink paradise! Pink Pier at Watermark (located at 78 South Street) is perfect for Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day or for a solo lover of everything pink! Splurge on igloo and chalet table reservations for a special three-course meal which includes everything from your choice of a salmon dish, to pink ravioli with a mushroom filling, a juicy burger and more options to choose from. Drinks and other treats are available for purchase. The photo-ops and ambience make Pink Pier perfect for friends, family or your partner!
Make sure you illuminate your Valentine’s Day at Pink Pier and snag tickets here!
3. Spice things up at AirOtic Soirée, a circus-style cabaret dinner show
This one-of-a-kind burlesque style acrobatic show will make it a Valentine’Day to remember. AirOtic Soirée: A Circus-Style Cabaret Dinner Show experience is definitely one of the more sensual events on this list. While standard admission gets you into the event, be a baller for your bae and upgrade your admission to enjoy a three-course meal created by notable Chef Saul and drinks included in your ticket! This stunning limited-time event will take place at HK Hall (605 W 48th St).
Snag tickets to AirOtic Soirée here while they last!
4. Embrace the romantic glow at a Candlelight Concert
Whether you love folk rock, disco pop, classical music and more, the Candlelight concert series is bringing mesmerizing experiences to NYC’s loveliest spaces! You can catch tributes to your favorite artists, like and more, played by highly talented musicians, including Highline String Quartet.
For fans of classical music, who want to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit there are many shows to experience! There are two special shows during and near Valentine’s Day featuring film scores from “Romeo & Juliet”, “Titanic” and many more at Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity located at 337 East 74th Street in Manhattan and at Murmrr Theatre located at 17 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn!
Who run the world? For any “Divas” out there, you can also catch a Candlelight tribute concert showcasing Beyonce hits! Give the gift of music too. There are Candlelight concert gift cards for that special someone in your life!
Enjoy a series of concerts illuminated by candlelight in some of the most iconic venues in New York!
5. Experience Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at Leuca
Get to know each other using all of your senses! This incredibly unique and reinvigorating experience requires relying purely on your senses besides sight to navigate and enjoy your food. It can enhance your sense of taste, focus on smells, and awareness of texture. After donning your blindfold in the darkened, candlelit room, you’ll be able to experience flavors and textures like never before. And best of all, you’ll get to savor a mystery menu created by Leuca Restaurant‘s chefs, inspired by the flavors of Southern Italy, which features carefully chosen seasonal ingredients. This will surely be a dinner to remember!
Take a seat and challenge your perception of food.
6. A dining experience fit for any Yankee fan
Calling all baseball fans (especially Yankee heads)! Get the rockstar treatment this Valentine’s Day in an experience that combines good food, sports and music. The Hard Rock Cafe Yankee Stadium Dining Experience in The Bronx does just that. Choose between a two or a three-course menu with a complimentary beverage. There are also lots of rock and Yankee memorabilia to explore after your meal!
Snag tickets and don’t forget your lovable sports fans on V-Day!7. Calling all movie lovers for the AMC Black Ticket
If your Valentine is a film buff, this might be the gift to get! Snag a discount on an AMC movie ticket with the Black Ticket for any 2D experience. There are also tickets to add on for drinks and popcorn, so why not get all the fixings for a proper movie date? Depending on the movie of course, this is one of the few experience where even your littlest Valentine can join you!
Check out more details here on the AMC Black Ticket!8. Hold onto your loved one a little tighter inside the Catacombs
Maybe you and your boo want some Halloween vibes for Valentine’s Day? Maybe you’re a curmudgeon with no heart? Maybe you just don’t give a damn about Valentine’s Day? Whatever it is, we’re here for it! Uncover the secrets of New York’s historical Catholic catacombs on this tour. You will also be able to explore off-limits areas of the landmark Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral on this interesting tour! It’s not your run of the mill Valentine’s Day experience but it is a incredible learning experience on a little piece of NYC’s history.
The Catacombs could be calling this Valentine’s Day, grab tickets here!
9. Get messy at this UV Body Painting experience for couples
Indulge in a different kind of night out this Valentine’s Day. Head to Brooklyn’s Native Creations Studio (located on 456 Johnson Ave.) for this fun UV body painting experience with your partner! This event is about two hours long, all materials are provided and there’s guidance from a professional instructor (if needed). It’s also BYOB! Each general admission ticket accounts for two people.
This isn’t your typical Valentine’s Day activity, get tickets here!10. Enjoy the unique Teardrop Igloos Experience at Somewhere Nowhere
For a luxurious experience, this one-of-a kind winter wonderland will keep you and your loved one cozy and warm! Igloos hold from two to five people and admission includes a bottle of champagne. Whether it’s with your partner or a group of friends and family, soak up epic views of NYC in the comfort of your own igloo! Enjoy the winter season at the Teardrop Igloos Experience!
Cozy up in this igloo at Somewhere Nowhere!